The Truth About Purple Shampoo: Is It Damaging Your Hair?
If you're a blonde or have highlighted hair, chances are you've heard of purple shampoo. It's marketed as a miracle product that can banish brassy tones and keep your hair looking fresh and bright for longer. But in recent years, there has been growing concern about the potential damage that purple shampoo can cause to our locks. Some experts claim that it can strip away natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle, while others argue that it's perfectly safe to use in moderation. So, what's the truth about purple shampoo? In this article, we'll delve into the science behind this controversial product and explore the truth about purple shampoo. Whether you're a die-hard purple shampoo fan or you're considering trying it out for the first time, you won't want to miss this essential guide to keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
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What is purple shampoo and how does it work?
Purple shampoo is a type of shampoo that is specifically formulated for blonde or highlighted hair. It contains purple pigments that help to neutralize brassy tones in blonde or lightened hair. The science behind purple shampoo is relatively simple. When hair is lightened or bleached, it loses its natural pigment, which can result in brassy tones. The purple pigments in purple shampoo work by counteracting the yellow and orange tones in hair, leaving it looking brighter and cooler.
Purple shampoo is typically used once or twice a week in place of regular shampoo. It's important to note that purple shampoo is not a substitute for regular shampoo and should not be used every day. Overuse of purple shampoo can lead to a buildup of purple pigments in the hair, which can result in a dull or ashy colour.
The benefits of using purple shampoo
One of the main benefits of using purple shampoo is that it can help to keep blonde or highlighted hair looking fresh and bright for longer. Without the use of purple shampoo, brassy tones can quickly develop in lightened hair, which can make it look dull and lifeless. Purple shampoo can also help to extend the time between salon appointments, as it can help to maintain the vibrancy of blonde or highlighted hair.
The potential risks and side effects of using purple shampoo
While purple shampoo can be a useful tool for maintaining blonde or highlighted hair, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of. One of the main concerns is that purple shampoo can strip away natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and brittle. This can be especially problematic for those with already dry or damaged hair.
Another potential risk of using purple shampoo is that it can cause discolouration in certain situations. If you have highlights that are a different shade than the rest of your hair, purple shampoo can cause the highlights to take on a purple or ashy colour. This can be particularly noticeable in direct sunlight or under bright lights.
What causes brassy tones in blonde or highlighted hair?
Before we can fully understand the effects of purple shampoo, it's important to understand what causes brassy tones in blonde or highlighted hair in the first place. When hair is lightened or bleached, it loses its natural pigment. Over time, this can result in the development of brassy tones in the hair. This is because the underlying pigments in hair (yellow and orange) become more visible as the natural pigment is stripped away.
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of brassy tones in blonde or highlighted hair. Exposure to chlorine, hard water, or certain hair products can all cause hair to become brassy. Additionally, if hair is not lightened properly, it can result in uneven colour and brassy tones.
Is purple shampoo damaging your hair?
One of the biggest concerns about purple shampoo is that they can dry out your hair and over time cause breakage. Most purple shampoos are to be used once a week as a treatment after using your regular shampoo to remove dirt and unwanted build-up. If you are using purple shampoo more than twice a week, you may need to consult with your stylist for another treatment to help lift the brass rather than treating it on your own. This will prevent you from overusing your purple shampoo.
Does purple shampoo contain harmful ingredients?
There are many purple shampoos on the market that contain potentially harmful ingredients, such as sulfates and parabens.
When shopping for purple shampoo, it's important to read the label carefully and look for products that are free from harmful chemicals. Some ingredients to avoid include sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
SLS and SLES: While these inexpensive foaming agents create a nice lather, they are irritating to your skin and scalp and can make any scalp issues worse. If you are someone struggling with scalp psoriasis or dandruff, these surfactants may worsen your condition.
MCIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone): This preservative is used to replace parabens. It is usually mixed with MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) which is a highly allergenic substance that can also lead to contact dermatitis
Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate: A common surfactant that creates a nice lather and is an effective cleansing agent that also causes skin irritation. This strong chemical is able to alter the skin barrier and may promote the penetration of molecules that are harmful to the body. This ingredient is not fully regulated in Canada or the USA however, studies have found this ingredient to be irritating at concentrations of 2% or higher. For prolonged use, Ammonium lauryl sulphate should only be used at 1% to avoid scalp irritations
Oxybenzone: Can also be found in purple shampoos as they filter the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, it’s an endocrine disruptor that can cross the skin barrier and behave like a female hormone. It’s recommended not to be used in creams as prolonged use can cause allergies
When selecting a purple shampoo, be mindful of the ingredients listed above. You want to look for shampoos that contain plant-based surfactants that are derived from coconut oil such as sodium cocoyl isethionate. This surfactant will still create a nice lather in your hair without causing scalp irritation.
The best natural purple shampoo on the market
If you're looking for a natural and organic option for purple shampoo you should look at the Luma Luscious Lavender Purple Shampoo Bar which is not only an eco-friendly option with plastic-free packaging, but the bar is completely plant-based and effective for treating brass.
The surfactants used in the Luma Purple Shampoo Bar as foaming agents are coconut-derived making the cleansing experience more hydrating yet still removing unwanted dirt and build-up.
Hydrolyzed oats are also added to the formula to soothe any dry scalp, psoriasis or dandruff that may be present.
All Luma Skin & Hair Care products are formulated with Radiance: a super-nourishing 3-oil blend of organic Black Seed Oil, Seabuckthorn Seed Oil and Cranberry Seed Oil to nourish the hair and scalp while promoting new hair growth. These oils are lightweight and rich in omega fatty acids which are essential for hair growth.
Violet 2 is added to help combat brassy tones in blonde hair without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
You can feel confident knowing that all Luma products are also free from SLS, SLES, parabens, silicone, phthalates and other harmful ingredients.
Tips for maintaining healthy hair while using purple shampoo
If you're using purple shampoo, it's important to take steps to maintain the health of your hair. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use purple shampoo in moderation. Only use it once or twice a week, rather than every day
- Use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing to help counteract any potential drying effects of the purple shampoo
- Avoid using hot tools like hairdryers and flat irons too often, as they can cause damage to the hair
- Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant spray
Conclusion: Is purple shampoo right for you?
In conclusion, purple shampoo and conditioner can be a useful tool for maintaining blonde or highlighted hair. There are some potential risks and side effects of using a conventional purple shampoo product that may contain harmful ingredients.
When shopping for purple shampoo, look for products that are free from harmful chemicals and contain nourishing ingredients to help keep your hair healthy and strong. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your blonde or highlighted hair looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
Wash your hair with natural ingredients and without plastic waste. Luma Purple Shampoo Bars create a rich lather that deeply cleanses your hair and scalp with added violet pigment to ban brassy blonde. Unlock soft, moisturized, shiny, and healthy hair with 100% natural ingredients and without plastic waste.
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